32133 in Color!

Last update we were covering 32133 and now, its in color. Trim and sheet metal will be next. This bird will be Green/Cream with black trim. Here are some photos of the guys doing what they do best, WACO Magic!

Lay it On!

The guys are in full cover mode this week. In the last update we shared some pre-cover photos of N32133 and now, cover time! Monday we took 32133 all back apart after completing the pre cover checks. Everything fit great and there were only a few minor adjustments required. The difference between our remanufactured to better than new standards aircraft and production aircraft is that we are constantly improving our fit and finish. Sometimes it takes a little longer but, in the end you'll have a trophy worthy aircraft, not just another one off the line. Not only do they look good, they fly perfect and true. Any bi-plane can be force rigged to fly straight. There is a difference between flying straight and flying true. The goal is to have the rigging provide both straight and true. When this is accomplished the aircraft achieves maximum cruise, has all control surfaces in trail flush and gives the best handling characteristics possible. Having the privilege of test flying the end product I'll tell you these guys have rigging nailed down. The past three UPF-7's have been hands off on the first flight! If all goes according to plan this week we'll have the wings, center section and tail feathers covered and thru nitrate. Stay tuned for more photos from the shop and have a great week!

Pre Cover!

UPF-7 N32133 s/n 5765 is on the march to completion. It is undergoing pre cover assembly this week and will be going into cover the next. The new wings fit up and match beautifully. As you can see everything on this airplane is new or as we say, remanufactured to better than new standards. This airplane will be "stock" and powered by a W670 from Air Repair Inc. Stay tuned for more progress photos.

Brazil

On earlier posts we shared with you the containerization of a WACO QCF and Fairchild 24W to be shipped to Brazil. About two weeks ago two of us, Justin Black and Ben Redman went to Brazil to assemble the airplanes. What a great experience!

We learned that ANAC, the Brazilian FAA has created a new Experimental Category to help facilitate aircraft like this being imported to Brazil. The QCF and 24W will be the first aircraft certified in Brazil under this category. We met and worked with the inspector who is assigned to this task and learned about their certification process. I believe this will open many doors for general and vintage aviation in Brazil. The interesting thing is that both Waco and Fairchild exported many airplanes to Brazil however, they must have all been for military or government use because, there is no supporting certification data on record with ANAC. Possibly their records don't go back that far or the people who operated them in the 40's just did not observe the rules.

Every day was an adventure. We had many people happy to help but, getting our hands on hardware or tools was a interesting task. Our hosts were incredible. The food was spectacular as well as the scenery. We even had the opportunity to do some flying while we were there. I will post a few different photos every few days for a while since there are so many. The best part was making great new friends while there and, knowing RARE will be in Brazil two more times this year!

Back to Work

We have been in our new facility for almost a month. What a move! Things are starting to find their final resting places piece by piece. We have a ways to go but, keeping focus on our work is important too. The team has done a great job moving and keeping customer work progressing as well. I've attached a walk through movie that takes you through part of the offices and most of the shop. Enjoy! If you want to see the whole place, stop by!

N173E took to the air last week for the first time since restoration. Here are a couple of shots from the flight. The show smoke is on but, did not show too well against the background. Good thing its adjustable, we're gonna turn it up a notch for the next flight.

73E flew well and, its pretty fast too! We have scheduled a formal photo shoot so stay tuned for some great pics!

Tick Tock

The building is almost done! We are planning on moving the week of the 3/22. With drywall complete in the offices the final wall color and tile is already going in! We are seeing huge amounts of visual progress at this point and the reality of the move is definitely here. Attached is a photo from the loft above the offices across the shop and a 360 video from the shop floor. Thank you all for the support and offers to help us move! Stay tuned for more updates.